Senior Estimator (Heavy Civil/Site Development Contractor)

EWI Recruitment; Rockville (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

EWI Recruitment is seeking a Senior Estimator for a leading heavy civil and site development contractor in the U.S. The role leads the estimating process from enquiry to submission, coordinating with project managers, engineers, suppliers and clients.

You will review drawings and specs, develop detailed cost plans, assess risks and prepare competitive tenders for major infrastructure projects. Strong knowledge of pricing principles, construction methods and health and safety requirements is

Qualifications

• Substantial estimating experience in heavy civil, groundworks, highways, utilities or site development.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, pricing principles and health and safety.
• Experience with estimating software, spreadsheets and digital tendering platforms.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates, tenders and bills of quantities for heavy civil and site development projects.
• Review drawings, technical specifications, scopes of work and contractual requirements.
• Obtain and evaluate quotations from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Develop cost plans, labour and plant allowances and risk assessments.

Skills

Estimating

Tendering

Budgeting

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Quantity surveying qualification

Tools

Estimating software

Spreadsheets

Digital tendering platforms

Job description

Senior Estimator – Heavy Civil and Site Development

An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Senior Estimator to join a well-established heavy civil and site development contractor. This role will suit a commercially minded professional with a strong background in preparing competitive, accurate tenders for major infrastructure, earthworks and civil engineering projects.

Working closely with project managers, engineers, suppliers and clients, you will lead the estimating process from initial enquiry through to submission and handover. You will be responsible for assessing drawings, specifications and contract documentation, identifying project risks and developing detailed estimates that support successful business growth.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates, tenders and bills of quantities for heavy civil, infrastructure and site development projects.
• Review drawings, technical specifications, scopes of work and contractual requirements.
• Obtain and evaluate quotations from subcontractors, suppliers and specialist service providers.
• Develop accurate cost plans, labour and plant allowances, preliminaries and risk assessments.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and recommend commercially effective solutions.
• Attend tender meetings, site visits and clarification discussions with clients and project teams.
• Maintain clear records of assumptions, exclusions, qualifications and pricing information.
• Support handover to the delivery team, ensuring all estimating information is communicated effectively.
• Monitor market conditions, material costs and subcontractor performance to improve future pricing.

About you

You will have substantial estimating experience within heavy civil engineering, groundworks, highways, utilities, infrastructure or site development. Strong knowledge of construction methods, pricing principles and relevant health and safety requirements is essential. Experience with estimating software, spreadsheets and digital tendering platforms would be advantageous.

You should be commercially astute, highly organised and confident working to strict deadlines. Excellent communication and negotiation skills are required, together with the ability to interpret technical information and build effective relationships at all levels. A relevant construction, civil engineering or quantity surveying qualification would be beneficial.

This is an excellent opportunity to take a leading role in a varied project environment, with the scope to influence tender strategy, develop client relationships and contribute to the continued success of a growing civil engineering business.